The World Pediatric Project (“WPP”) hosted its first Physical therapy mission for the year at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on April 17 and 18 where close to 30 patients received care.

FROM LEFT: Jessica Lynn WPP Occupational Therapist; Lisa Bebko WPP Physical Therapist, with Vincentian family – Catisha Thomas (Mom), Kenroy Joseph (Dad), Havanna Joseph (Daughter).

The mission was led by physical therapist, Lisa Bebko, accompanied by occupational therapist, Jessica Lynn, a WPP release states.

They also had support from local physiotherapist, Janelle Ballah who is based at the MCMH. The team saw a total of 28 children who have disabilities or genetic disorders that impair their ability to walk, affect their fine motor, and their overall ability to function daily. The youngest of the children assessed was a three-month-old baby with Spina Bifida, a condition that affects the spinal cord. Wheelchairs were donated to two families on this occasion by the Physical therapy team to assist with the children’s ability to be more independent in moving around. The release adds that it was a heart warming moment for the parents to see their children start this new journey of life.

The WPP has expressed gratitude to The Maria Holder Memorial Trust for sponsoring this trip and making it possible for the children to receive needed medical interventions.

The next team to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines will be a Scoliosis mission led by Dr. James Bennett. This mission is scheduled for May 13-20, 2023.